Advent Devotional: The Gospel of Lukeනියැදිය

*Written by JD Whitney

I want to be justified. I mean, justified by my own actions. I want to be good enough. Some days, I want to be awesome! Jesus speaks to these desires in the book of Luke.

In chapter 10, Luke describes three different scenes:

• The sending out of the 72 (or seventy)
• The lawyer and the parable of the good Samaritan
• The home of Mary and Martha

In each of these scenes, the people around Jesus might have felt just like me. They want to be justified by their own actions. And Jesus has beautiful words for each of them.

The 72

After Jesus sent out the 72, they returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" (v 17). Can you imagine their excitement? They have done something Jesus didn't even ask them to do in his instructions to them.

But Jesus says, “Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (v 20) Jesus immediately changes the focus from their actions to their position, from my actions or results to his grace.

Jesus’ answer sets my heart at rest and draws my attention to him. It is only because of him that our names are written in heaven. And we can rejoice always because of that.

The Lawyer

Luke says the lawyer wants to put Jesus to the test (v 25). The lawyer wants to know if Jesus is justified or not! (I do that too sometimes, how about you?) Jesus' response is amazing. He answers in a way that justifies himself and holds a mirror up to the lawyer. The lawyers STILL look for a way he can remain justified: "Who is my neighbor?"

Jesus then tells the parable of the good Samaritan, which contains so much that I'll just focus on the most relevant point from my theme. Jesus defines neighbor as "The one who showed him mercy." (v 37). Mercy wasn't earned; it was given. This is Jesus. The very best we can ever do is something that he already did for us.

Once again, Jesus is pointing to himself. I can’t do more than he’s already done.

Mary and Martha

Martha is “distracted with much serving.” Has that ever been you? I can say for sure that it has been me at times. And she’s looking at her sister sitting there, doing nothing, getting annoyed enough to make a scene about it.

Jesus, once again, speaks life to all of us. "One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." (v 41-42)

This December, join me and rest in the beautiful truth that we will never be enough on our own. Take joy in the fact that though we were unwise and lacking in understanding, and like children, our names are written in heaven. Take a moment out of your serving to sit with Jesus. I believe with all my heart that the experience of that mercy will overflow to those around us and shine like a bright star in the night sky. Emmanuel, God with us, has come.

Let’s pray: Father, thank you for the blood of Jesus that cleanses and justifies me before you. I could never achieve that on my own. Thank you for turning all my weaknesses into joy at the greatness of what you have done for me! Give me compassion for those around me, and let them know that though they are undeserving, your grace is for them, too! Help me recognize when I am striving in my own strength, for my own glory, and for my own justification. Help me not be ‘distracted with much serving’ but to come to you. God, as I come to you and your rest, I ask that you send workers into the harvest, neighbors to the neighborless, and hospitality to the undeserving. Make me holier than I am today. If I strive for those things, let it be out of joy, powered by all you have done for me and dependent on your strength to see it done.

Reflection Questions:

1. What things most easily distract you from the joy of having your name written in heaven?
2. In what ways might you be “distracted with much serving”?
3. How might you take time to sit at the feet of Jesus today?